Bearded Iris Iris 'Edith Wolford' (TB)

Water

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' requires moderate watering to establish a deep and extensive root system. When it's actively growing in the spring and throughout the blooming season, ensure it receives approximately one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, you might need to water twice a week. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot; allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During dormancy in the fall and winter, reduce watering significantly, providing just enough moisture to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry.

Light

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' thrives best in full sun conditions. To ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth, plant it in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.

Temperature

Bearded Irises, including 'Edith Wolford', are hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They prefer temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Although they can survive winter temperatures as low as -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be mulched to protect against extreme cold. During the summer, they can withstand temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but they may require additional watering during these hotter periods.

Pruning

To maintain the health and appearance of your Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford', it's important to prune the plant annually. After blooming, remove faded flowers to prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. In late summer or fall, trim foliage to a height of about 4 to 6 inches to prepare for winter and encourage robust growth the following season. Also, remove any damaged or diseased leaves whenever you spot them to prevent the spread of any issues.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' is well-draining, fertile, and neutral to slightly acidic with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0. A blend of loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for their growth.

Repotting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' typically does not need frequent repotting; they should be divided and replanted about every three to five years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plants.

Humidity & Misting

Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a drier climate. They thrive without the need for high humidity and are well-suited to the average atmospheric conditions found in most temperate regions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area and ensure proper drainage.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space rhizomes apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Iris 'Edith Wolford' (Tall Bearded Iris) begins with seed germination, typically in late summer or fall, when the seeds sprout and establish a small rhizome. In its first year, the plant focuses on vegetative growth, developing the sword-like leaves and a network of roots, but will generally not flower. Over the next couple of years, the rhizome enlarges and gives rise to increases, or offsets, which will become new flowering shoots. The Tall Bearded Iris typically blooms in late spring to early summer, showcasing large, showy flowers in hues of yellow and blue. After the blooming period, the foliage remains, photosynthesizing and storing energy in the rhizome for the next season. When flowering ends, seed pods may form, which will dry and eventually open to disperse seeds, although many growers divide rhizomes for propagation instead of growing from seeds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Summer

• The Tall Bearded Iris 'Edith Wolford' is commonly propagated through division, which is typically done in late summer after the blooming season has ended. To propagate by division, one would carefully lift the clump of irises from the ground using a spade, making sure to start digging about a foot (around 30 centimeters) away from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the rhizomes. The clump should then be gently shaken or washed to remove excess soil, allowing for clearer visibility of the rhizome and root structure. Using a sharp knife, the rhizome is cut into sections, each with at least one fan of leaves and a portion of healthy roots. The leaves of these divisions are often trimmed to one-third of their original length to reduce water loss, and the freshly cut rhizome is then replanted in well-draining soil, positioned so the top of the rhizome is slightly exposed to the air to prevent rot. It's essential to water the new plantings well to help establish them. This straightforward method helps maintain the health of the iris bed and encourages vigorous growth.